Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14

The responsorial psalm for this week is from Psalm 27, a beautiful declaration of trust in God’s protection and a plea for his continued presence.

The psalm’s call to trust in and wait for the Lord resonates with our Lenten focus on patience, prayer, and renewal.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? 

Light represents guidance, clarity, and the presence of God. In the darkness of trials, God’s light leads the way.

I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).

The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?

The repeated rhetorical question emphasizes the psalmist’s confidence. If God is his protector, there is no reason to fear anyone or anything.

Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call; have pity on me, and answer me. 

The tone shifts from confidence to supplication. The psalmist calls upon God, recognizing human dependence on divine mercy.

Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks. Your presence, O LORD, I seek. 

A deep longing for God emerges. To “seek God’s face” is to desire his presence and guidance.

“In the most hidden place, where only you may hear it, my heart says to you: Lord, I seek your face, and I will continue in this search, without ever taking rest, so that I may love you freely, for I will never find anything more precious than you [your face]” (Saint Augustine, Enarrationes in Psalmos, 26, 8).

Hide not your face from me; do not in anger repel your servant. You are my helper: cast me not off.

The psalmist acknowledges human unworthiness. He fears abandonment, yet he knows that God is merciful.

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living.

An affirmation of hope: despite the trials of life, the psalmist is confident that God’s goodness will prevail.

“The land of the living” takes on its fullest meaning in light of the resurrection of Christ. Lent is challenging, but Easter is coming.

Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.

The psalmist encourages endurance in faith, even when God’s plan is not immediately visible.

Those that wait upon the Lord have reason to be of good courage.